The Department of Panchayati Raj, Government of Jharkhand will organize the National Workshop on PESA Act in Ranchi on 24th December 2024 with the aim of disseminating awareness about the Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA Act). The PESA Workshop will be graced by the presence of Smt. Deepika Pandey Singh, Minister of Panchayati Raj, Rural Development & Rural Works, Jharkhand who will deliver the keynote address. Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, will address the National Workshop highlighting the significance of PESA in advancing local governance in Scheduled Areas, underlining the commitment of Ministry of Panchayati Raj for effective implementation of the Act. Shri Alok Prem Nagar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Shri Vinay Kumar Choubey, Principal Secretary, Department of Panchayati Raj, Jharkhand, Smt. Nesha Oraon, Director, Panchayati Raj, Jharkhand, will contribute to the PESA Workshop, offering their insights and guidance on advancing the objectives of the PESA Act.

The National Workshop on the Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA Act), scheduled for 24th December 2024 at Ranchi, Jharkahnd, marks a significant milestone in strengthening grassroots democracy in India’s tribal regions. This occasion commemorates the enactment of the PESA Act on 24th December 1996, a landmark legislation empowering Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas with self-governance and the management of natural resources. Recognized for its critical role in protecting tribal communities from exploitation, the Act highlights the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting the social, economic, cultural, and political way of life of the Scheduled Tribes.

It is noteworthy that Jharkhand is on the verge of finalizing its PESA Rules in alignment with the PESA Act. This significant event will serve as a vital platform for engaging stakeholders in discussions on the Act’s objectives, achievements, and its critisscal role in empowering local governance while safeguarding the rights of communities in Scheduled Areas. The day-long PESA Workshop is designed to facilitate meaningful dialogue and generate actionable outcomes that will benefit the targeted communities. The program includes comprehensive discussions on PESA’s role in strengthening governance in Scheduled Areas, along with a short film and song showcasing the essence and impact of PESA. The event will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions on tribal traditions and governance practices, and cultural presentations showcasing the rich heritage of tribal communities. Stakeholders will deliberate on critical issues, including traditional Gram Sabha practices and their integration with Panchayat governance to enhance local self-governance in Scheduled Areas. The Workshop aims to foster collaboration, drive awareness, and chart a clear path for empowering tribal communities in Scheduled Areas through robust implementation of the PESA Act.

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has advised the ten PESA States – Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan and Telangana – to organize impactful awareness and capacity-building activities across their respective regions. These initiatives aim to actively engage key stakeholders, including elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions, Gram Sabha members, and officials from line Departments such as Forest, Revenue, Rural Development, Tribal Welfare, and Social Justice. Through meaningful discussions and interactive sessions, the focus will be on highlighting the salient features of the PESA Act and exploring its immense potential to strengthen governance in Scheduled Areas. The collective efforts of these States will play a crucial role in raising awareness, empowering Gram Sabhas, and ensuring effective implementation of the PESA Act at the grassroots level, ultimately fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development in Scheduled Areas.

Background:

The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) was enacted on 24th December 1996 to empower tribal communities in Scheduled Areas through self-governance via Gram Sabhas. However, its effective implementation has faced challenges due to delays in State-specific PESA Rules, lack of comprehensive training materials, and supportive State laws. To address these challenges and strengthen the implementation of the PESA Act, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj has called upon all PESA States to organize befitting activities, events, and run an intensive awareness campaign on 24th December 2024. This first-of-its-kind initiative aims to consolidate collective and concerted efforts to extend the benefits of the PESA Act to people living in Scheduled Areas. The focus is on making all-out efforts to enhance their ease of living and create an enabling environment for their growth and prosperity, aligning with the vision of the Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the PESA Act, build the capacity of stakeholders, and empower Gram Sabhas for better governance and improved functioning of Gram Panchayats in Scheduled Areas.

Major Workshops/ Conferences Organized during 2024 to Empower The Tribal Communities:

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has organized a series of key conferences in 2024 to strengthen the implementation of the Provisions of the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 – widely known as the PESA Act. First Regional Conference was held on 11^th–12^th January 2024 at YASHADA, Pune, Maharashtra, covering the PESA States of Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. Second Regional Conference took place on 4^th–5^th March 2024 at Ranchi, Jharkhand, focusing on the PESA States of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Telangana. A National Conference on PESA was convened on 26^th September 2024 at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, where the PESA–GPDP Portal and Seven Specialized Training Modules were launched to enhance Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) and training initiatives. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has developed comprehensive training modules on the PESA Act, encouraging PESA States to translate them into local languages and dialects for better accessibility and effective implementation at the grassroots level.

 

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